Bone Loss, Physical Function and Frailty in Older Women With Sickle Cell Trait
UConn Health
Summary
This is a cross-sectional, clinical research study comparing postmenopausal women of African Descent (AD) with different hemoglobin genotypes: normal and sickle cell trait (SCT). This research study has two purposes. The first purpose is to determine whether having SCT is a risk factor for the development of bone thinning in older women. The second purpose is to investigate whether women with SCT have reduced muscle function and increased frailty compared to women without SCT. The investigators estimate enrolling 50 female volunteers who are at least 50 years old and have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 consecutive months. Volunteers need not know whether they have SCT as this will be evaluated as part of the study.
Description
This is a collaborative project involving three different disciplinary areas, including The Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Division of Endocrinology, and The Center on Aging (CoA)/Geriatrics in the UConn School of Medicine. The project consists of two specific aims: (1) determine effects of SCT on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women of African descent and (2) investigate the association of SCT on skeletal muscle function and frailty in postmenopausal women of African descent. The investigators hypothesize that individuals with SCT have reduced bone mineral density, decreased mus…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 50+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Female of African Decent. * Age 50 years or older. * Lack of menstrual period for at least 12 consecutive months Exclusion Criteria: * Taking medications known to influence bone metabolism (e.g., glucocorticoids, hormonal therapy, cancer or chemotherapy meds, anti-resorptive medications or anabolic therapies). * Known metabolic bone disorder (e.g., uncontrolled thyroid disease, hyperparathyroidism, Vitamin D deficiency) * Taking an investigational drug * Documented sickle cell disease
Interventions
- OtherHealthy volunteers without SCT
Participants will donate blood for serum bone turnover markers, complete blood count, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, parathyroid hormone, and hemoglobin electrophoresis. Participants will undergo a bone density evaluation and muscle mass measurement via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning. Participants will fill out dietary calcium intake and pain burden questionnaires. Participants will fill out a survey for frailty assessment, undergo 6-minute walk gait velocity and short physical performance battery (SPPB).
- OtherHealthy volunteers with SCT
Participants will donate blood for serum bone turnover markers, complete blood count, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, parathyroid hormone, and hemoglobin electrophoresis. Participants will undergo a bone density evaluation and muscle mass measurement via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning. Participants will fill out dietary calcium intake and pain burden questionnaires. Participants will fill out a survey for frailty assessment, undergo 6-minute walk gait velocity and short physical performance battery (SPPB).
Location
- UConn HealthFarmington, Connecticut